Suspended Trinamool MLA Humayun Kabir has indicated that he is likely to form an alliance with the AIMIM ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections. Kabir said he recently held discussions with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and is exploring a joint contest on 135 seats. The move could influence the minority-dominated regions, particularly Murshidabad and Malda, where Muslims had largely supported the TMC in the 2021 polls.
Kabir, who was suspended from the Trinamool Congress on Friday, had announced plans to launch his own party on December 22. However, he clarified that he will not resign as MLA, claiming his constituents urged him to continue in the post. He also said that the turnout at the foundation stone laying of the Babri Masjid replica far exceeded expectations, with several lakhs arriving with bricks, though many were stopped by Krishnanagar Police en route to Murshidabad.
The potential alliance gains significance as AIMIM recently secured five seats in Bihar’s Seemanchal region, a minority-heavy zone similar to Murshidabad. Meanwhile, the BJP organised a massive “Gita Path in 5 lakh voices” event in Kolkata. BJP leaders alleged the state government supports fundamentalists, while the Trinamool accused the BJP of misusing religious events for polarization.
